The work is not solely about satellite sea level. It examines sea level from tide gauges and satellites, vertical land movement, ocean modelling, storms, wind and waves, tsunamis, and the occurrence of extreme events in order to evaluate the dangers faced. We conclude that over the past few decades the Chagos Islands have been a relatively stable physical environment, with no evidence of any increases in those factors which might contribute to erosion and flooding.

Low-lying coral atolls are highly dynamic environments. They are largely the product of the very forces that erode and ...

To continue reading this article, subscribe to receive access to all of newscientist.com, including 20 years of archive content.

To continue reading this article, log in or subscribe to New Scientist

App + web

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$25.99 - Save 65%

12 issues for $2.17 per issue

with continuous service

Print + web

Print

Web

$28.99 - Save 61%

12 issues for $2.42 per issue

with continuous service

Print + app + web

Print

Web

Smartphone

Tablet

$39.99 - Save 73%

12 issues for $3.33 per issue

with continuous service

Web

Web only

$49.99

30 day web pass

Prices may vary according to delivery country and associated local taxes.